SMITHSBURG, Md. — The Friday Night Music Fest will return to Washington County next month for its seventh consecutive season, bringing a lineup of regional country, rock and bluegrass acts to the stage while raising funds for local and national non-profit organizations.
The three-week outdoor concert series will take place July 3, 10 and 17. Each event will run from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the lower field located at 14426 Misty Meadow Road in the Ringgold community, situated directly across from the Misty Meadow Farm and Creamery.
Organizers announced that while admission to each performance is free, advanced ticket reservations are encouraged. Attendees may make voluntary financial contributions at the gate, with all proceeds directly benefiting a rotating selection of designated charitable causes.
The festival kicks off July 3 with a performance by Christian country artist Chris Hughes. Proceeds from the opening night will benefit the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, a national organization that provides mortgage-free homes to fallen first responders and catastrophically injured veterans.
On July 10, the event will pivot toward country rock with a headlining performance by Michael Christopher. Donations collected during the second week will benefit You Hold the Key, an organization dedicated to community support initiatives.
The concert series concludes July 17 with a dual-artist showcase. The Blue Mountain Boys are scheduled to perform traditional bluegrass from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., followed immediately by Khalil Nazar from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. The final night’s gate proceeds will benefit the Smithsburg Tractor Society, a local historical preservation group established in 2013.
To boost fundraising efforts, regional business Woodsetter.com has committed to matching up to $500 of the net financial proceeds raised throughout the event series. Additional corporate and community partners sponsoring the 2026 festival include Visit Hagerstown, Middletown Valley Bank, Pennland Pure, and Central City Liquors.
Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets for seating in the open field. Event information, advanced ticket registration and sponsorship details are accessible online or by contacting event coordinators directly at 301-991-7799, [email protected] or ffm.bio/iwi.
